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Farm Briefs

ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Farmers Union hosted its 68th annual state convention recently. Delegates re-elected President Doug Peterson, and elected Gary Wertish of Renville as the new vice president. Dennis Sjodin, the previous vice president for 14 years, decided not to seek re-election.

"I congratulate Gary for his election as Vice President to Minnesota Farmers Union," said Doug Peterson. "Gary is a lifelong Farmers Union member, so he understands the importance of the organization and the voice we give to our members. I look forward to working with Gary and promoting Farmers Union policy."

Wertish is a full-time farmer who previously worked as an Minnesota Farmers Union field representative and worked for Sen. Mark Dayton as his agricultural director. He farms with one of his sons, raising corn, soybeans, navy beans and finishing cattle and hogs. Gary and his wife, Jeanne, have four grown children and four grandchildren.

Farm Bureau announces contest winners

BROOKLYN PARK -- Young farmers in Norman County, Pope County and Olmsted County captured top honors in the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions.

Neil Rockstad of Ada in Norman County won the Achievement Award contest. Greg and Charity Vold of Glenwood in Pope County were the Excellence in Agriculture winners, and Keith Allen of Kenyon in Olmsted County took home the first-place honors in the Discussion Meet contest. The competitions were held during the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation 91st annual meeting at the Northland Inn in Brooklyn Park.

Send information about your ag-related event to gschlosser@wctrib.com or to the West Central Tribune, PO Box 839, Willmar, MN 56201.